The breakdowns are recurrent in several stations on the Lisbon metro lines and, despite promises of resolution that have been ongoing for years, user complaints continue to increase.

According to Executive Digest, for one week, 50 of the 121 elevators were operational, reaching the highest number of failures ever recorded by the company in the last two years. The company justifies the failures with difficulties in maintenance and the availability not only of parts but also of specialized technicians. Thus, according to the same media outlet, the Lisbon Metro will proceed with an investment of over 7 million euros to be applied to the Baixa-Chiado and Airport stations.

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Lack of information

The Público newspaper also reveals that the Lisbon Metro does not have a public service that allows passengers to know if the escalators are working, despite the promise already made by the public company. The situation is more serious at the Baixa-Chiado station, due to the 45-meter route, made up of steep stairs, divided into four sections. Recurring breakdowns make leaving the station difficult, especially for those with reduced mobility or other health problems.

Investments not felt

Since 2018, several investments have been announced in works that could solve the problem; however, the failures continue to recur. In January 2025, a public tender was launched that aimed to ensure, until 2030, the maintenance of the two most critical stations, where escalators and elevators are most needed and where breakdowns are most frequent. The tender aimed to carry out the maintenance of the mechanical aspects of 22 escalators and six elevators.

Increasing complaints

The Executive Digest, quoted by the Lisbon Metro, says that the contract belongs to a "dedicated maintenance pilot project", which aims to respond to two of the busiest stations in the city. According to the same news outlet, the decision was made due to increasing complaints from users and civic associations, who even challenged the Minister of Infrastructure, Miguel Pinto Luz, to visit the affected stations.

The associations denouncing the state of the Lisbon Metro stations say that problems with the escalators are also felt at the Cais do Sodré, Avenida, Intendente, Rato, Saldanha, and São Sebastião stations. According to the associations, it is rare for the escalators to function for an entire month without any interruption.

Negative impact

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The Metro has already acknowledged the negative impact of the failures and justified itself with difficulties in guaranteeing full technical assistance for equipment that is used intensively. According to Executive Digest, the company revealed that although some repairs are quicker to complete, others require not only specific components but also specialized labour, which increases response time.

Finding the solution

The maintenance model to be applied foresees the permanent presence of technicians at the stations with problems, as well as a reduced stock of critical parts. Maximum deadlines for supply and repairs will also be established, as well as penalties for those who fail to meet contractual requirements. The company believes this is a strategic step aimed at modernizing the system, with benefits to be achieved in efficiency and reduction of equipment downtime.